Pioneer DV-626D

Advantages: Excellent picture and sound quality, DD5.1 and DTS decoders, plays CD-Rs/RWs
Disadvantages: No mp3 playback, no remote hack

The Pioneer DV-626D is a great DVD player – and it should be in the top 5 list at the top of the page. Unfortunately, it isn’t but that doesn’t stop it from being an excellent piece of hardware. I don’t personally own this player, but I have a friend who does and I’ve seen enough of it to be impressed. I own a Toshiba 2109B and can easily make comparisons between the two. Picture: -------- The picture quality is ...
...the 2109 remote but the Pioneer remote seems to have buttons that are too small. Still, the important buttons (Enter, Play, Directional buttons etc) seem to be well placed. It could have been a lot worse. Outputs: -------- The 626 has a quite nice set of outputs around the back – loads more than the 2109. It features two SCART sockets, two S-Video outputs, two Composite video outputs, one optical and one coaxial digital output, two sets ... Read review

Advantages: Mindblowing sound, Explosive picture and feature packed - at a great price. Buy it.
Disadvantages: Nothing significant at this price

Pioneer is well respected manufacturer for top quality home cinema products, and it ranks amongst the top few manufacturers of DVD players, up there with Sony, Toshiba and Panasonic. Pioneer is well known for impeccable build quality and excellent performance and the DV-626D is a brilliant example of just what Pioneer can do. After searching though review magazines and browsing the internet, I decided the pioneer was the one to go for. Main features ...
...the decoders built into the Pioneer 626 and so you needn't upgrade. The amplifier does have to have 5.1 channel inputs though. Unlike many players (including Sony's competitor the 725) the pioneer decodes DTS as well as Dolby Digital. DTS is DD's competitor and to my ears sounds a little richer and more refined, but is not very widely used on Region 2 DVDs.Although DVD purists may cringe at the idea of using built in decoders, to most peoples ears, ... Read review

Advantages: Quality of £500+ player. Ease-of-use.
Disadvantages: Slightly 'box-like'.

...Virtual Dolby included on this Pioneer is a welcome mid way point between stereo and "the real thing". DTS and Dolby Digital onboard as well ... no contest for the price. This player was recently awarded DVD player of the year in Home Cinema Choice magazine - it deserved it. If you're looking at DVD's on a PC, as I was, even if you've got it hooked up to a TV - there's no comparison - pictures are more vivid, sound is much more dynamic, and it's ...
...up through my video since my current TV's got no scarts (yes I know .. I'm doing LOTS of upgrading :) ) and can testify that Macrovision is well and truly gone .... The service from Techtronics was reassuringly swift (5 days to my door - no hassles or complications), and the Online Order tracking, although only updated once a day in the evening, is another aid to finding out just when you get to play with your new toy. Any gripes .. none, well not ... Read review

Advantages: Excellent picture/sound quality
Disadvantages: None as of yet

...I had expectations and the Pioneer exceeded them all. Picture quality is superb, excellent colour coordination and better defined pictures than any video could ever produce. The price does vary depending on where purchased, but the maximum does not extend past the average price for a fairly good DVD Player (this is an excellent DVD player though note!) As well as visual DVD quality, the audio CD function is just as good as HIFI/Ghetto Blaster and ... Read review

Advantages: Fast reaction times, e-mod
Disadvantages: no zoom

...players, I decided upon the Pioneer 626D. I bought it with an e-mod modification chip which makes the player multi region. The good thing about e-mod it that the chip is external so no one has to take the DVD player apart to fit it and the warranty remains intact. I think that e-mod is only available on Pioneer players. The player itself is excellent and sturdily built. One thing that attracted me to this player is its speed. You don't have to wait ...
...most people probably wouldn't take it into consideration when buying a DVD player, I think it is a very important aspect. The sound and picture quality is unbelievable. This is helped by gold-plated sockets at the back of the player, making it possible to get the best possible sound when connected to other high quality items with high quality cables. The player has internal Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS decoders so you don't have to buy them seperately ... Read review

Advantages: Fantastic audio/AV Delivery
Disadvantages: Who cares

...I have enjoyed the old Pioneer DV 626D for many years but up dated my TV to Samsung 1080 capability so invested in new 600av. Wow what a change! This is the best money I have ever spent on AV. I have an old Yamaha DSP2 Amp and B&W surround speakers. Now they dance to both audio and DvD. I played Harry Potter 3 on old system then on new. The difference is mind blowing! Then put on a classical cd and sit back and wonder what you have been missing. I have friends who are so chuffed about their audio systems and would melt to hear what this system can deliver. Hey buttons are small it needs a bit of time to warm, up and do not rely on display for info but put your favourite DVd or CD on and sit back and enjoy. You will not be dissapointed!!.... Read review

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